Your liver continuously filters toxins from your blood. A heavy toxic load or viral infection causes inflammation in your liver and overburdens it, called Hepatitis. Hepatitis can be of two types, either chronic (ongoing) or acute (temporary). This inflammation is not only caused by the toxic overload but it also comes into existence due to several health conditions, including viral infection, excessive use of over-the-counter medications, and alcohol consumption. Based on the cause of liver inflammation, there are also several types of treatment.
What is Hepatitis?
The inflammation of the liver is known as hepatitis and it is your body’s response to an injury or infection. Hepatitis is triggered by injuries, use of heavy substances, bile flow problems, toxic chemicals, and viral infections. All these factors cause hepatitis which may be a temporary response but sometimes it may be ongoing.
Acute hepatitis is a short-term inflammation in the liver that is an immediate response to an urgent problem while chronic hepatitis is a long-term liver inflammation that is a continuous response to an ongoing issue.
This inflammation is a defense system that not only protects your liver tissues from damage but also repairs the damaged ones. But long-lasting inflammation is itself harmful to your liver. Untreated inflammation in the liver interferes with its functions and damages the liver’s structure as well.
An inflammatory condition of the liver is referred to as hepatitis. It has many possible causes, including autoimmune hepatitis and hepatitis. Where autoimmune hepatitis occurs as a result of the production of antibodies against your liver.
Major Classification of Hepatitis
The main viral classifications of hepatitis are:
- Hepatitis A.
- Hepatitis B.
- Hepatitis C.
- Hepatitis D.
- Hepatitis E.
These types of hepatitis are different from one another based on their causative virus. According to an estimate, 244 million people are currently living with hepatitis B and C all over the world. Let’s discuss different types of hepatitis!
Hepatitis A
HAV is a virus that causes an infection in your liver, called hepatitis A. This is called hepatitis A, which is a short-term acute liver condition.
Hepatitis B
HBV viruses are the main factor for the occurrence of hepatitis B. This is a chronic condition of liver inflammation that is labeled as an ongoing form of liver inflammation. According to an estimate by the disease prevention center, around 725, 000 people are suffering from chronic hepatitis B in the country and around 316 million people worldwide.
Hepatitis C
HCV virus causes hepatitis C and this is the most common blood borne viral disease in the country and typically appears as a long-term infection. According to a recent estimate around 3.1 million people in the country are living with its chronic form, till the date.
Hepatitis D
This form of hepatitis is not common and only occurs in combination with hepatitis B infection. Its causative agent is the HDV virus that causes inflammation in your liver like other strains, but the presence of hepatitis D infection is clear proof of the existence of hepatitis B infection. The minimum number of people are usually affected by hepatitis D. According to an estimate it is around 6 to 7 percent in the country.
Hepatitis E
Exposure to hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the major cause of this disease. Hepatitis E is a waterborne disease and its virus is typically found in areas with poor sanitation and is usually caused by ingesting fecal matter with contaminated water supply.
In well-developed countries, where the hygienic conditions are better, this disease is uncommon but the countries with poor hygienic conditions have a large number of people living with hepatitis E. This is an acute form of hepatitis and typically harms pregnant women.
Causes of Hepatitis
| Type of Hepatitis | Ways of Transmission |
| Hepatitis A | Contaminated food or water with HAV virus. |
| Hepatitis B | Direct contact with HBV virus-contaminated matter such as semen, blood, or vaginal secretions. |
| Hepatitis C | HCV-contaminated body fluids, including vaginal secretions, semen, and blood cause this form of hepatitis. |
| Hepatitis D | Direct contact with blood samples containing HDV. |
| Hepatitis E | Use of food and water containing HEV. |
Although hepatitis is a renowned viral infection, some other factors are also present that trigger the condition. Let’s have a look!
Toxins and Alcohol
Excessive or unchecked use of certain medications and exposure to harmful toxic materials can be a major triggering factor for hepatitis. Excess use of alcohol can lead to liver inflammation and great damage to liver structure. That is commonly referred to as; alcoholic hepatitis. Excessive consumption of alcohol causes injuries in your liver cells that may lead to thickening or scarring of liver tissues if remain untreated for a longer time. This condition is a definite route to liver failure or cirrhosis.
Response of Autoimmune System
Sometimes your immune system detects your liver as a harmful organ or pathogen and starts to attack it. This may cause an ongoing inflammation that can range from minor cell damage to severe hindering in liver function. According to recent studies, women are affected more than men by this condition.
Symptoms of Hepatitis
A 2020 study revealed that the chronic forms of hepatitis, including hepatitis B and C do not show any clear symptoms until the damage affects the function and structure of the liver. While people with acute forms of hepatitis show symptoms shortly right after contraction of a hepatitis virus in their liver.
The most prominent symptoms of infectious hepatitis are:
- Loss of appetite.
- Abdominal pain.
- Sudden weight loss.
- Yellowish eyes and skin with the probability of jaundice.
- Flu and influenza.
- Fatigue.
- Paler stool.
- Dark urine.
Diagnosis of Hepatitis
Understanding the cause of hepatitis is a great step towards its prompt treatment. Doctors usually adopt a series of tests to confirm the presence of any hepatitis virus that helps them to diagnose the condition correctly. The correct diagnosis is the accurate way to design the best treatment plan.
Physical Examination and Health History
To determine any risk factor you have related to hepatitis, your healthcare provider will first study your health history. This may help them to diagnose the hepatitis symptoms.
To perform a physical examination your doctor may press your abdominal area to see if there is any painful sensation in this area. Your eye color is a great source to diagnose hepatitis because the yellow or pale color of the eyes is a sign of liver inflammation or swelling in the liver.
Tests for Liver Inflammation
Blood tests with your blood samples are carried out to see if your liver is functioning efficiently. Negative results of such tests are the primary source to indicate any problem in your liver, especially if you are not experiencing any specific hepatitis-related symptoms. If they find a higher concentration of liver enzymes, that is an indication of a stressed liver that is not functioning correctly.
Blood Tests for Diagnosis
Abnormal physical examination results will drift your healthcare provider to pass you through a series of blood tests to detect the cause of the condition. These tests help them to determine if you have an infectious hepatitis or a noninfectious one. The presence of types of hepatitis virus or antibodies may confirm the actual cause of the disease. Healthcare providers also use blood test results to check if there is any sign of an autoimmune form of hepatitis.
Liver Biopsy
For assessing any potential damage to your liver, doctors will perform a liver biopsy. Taking a tissue from your liver for complete internal observation is called a liver biopsy. The sample of liver tissue is taken from the skin with the help of a needle that doesn’t need any surgery. An ultrasound scan is used during this procedure to get accurate guidance.
Through the results of these tests, your surgeons will be able to determine how the hepatitis virus has affected the structure and function of your liver.
Ultrasound
To create a clear image of the internal organs of your body ultrasound waves are used. Abdominal ultrasound waves help in creating an image of your abdominal area. Through ultrasound images, your doctors can easily have a closer look at your liver and the organs surrounding it. The results of ultrasound images can reveal:
- Liver inflammation.
- Liver tumors.
- Gallbladder abnormalities.
- Enlargement of the liver.
- Fluid in your abdominal area.
An ultrasound test is very helpful as it can also show the images of the pancreas. Abnormal liver function can be easily detected through this test.
Treatment of Hepatitis
Hepatitis A Treatment
This is a short-term condition and doesn’t require a series of tests before treatment. However, the symptoms that cause discomfort or painful sensations for a longer duration, must be treated carefully. The first treatment for hepatitis A is complete bed rest. In addition, experiencing vomiting and diarrhea needs healthy dietary changes in your daily diet plan that can help to maintain the balanced nutrition and hydration required by your body.
Hepatitis B Treatment
The acute form of this condition doesn’t have any specific treatment plant. This is a costly treatment option because you have to continue this treatment program for several months or years. Regular medical evaluation is a necessary requirement as regular checkups and monitoring prove helpful in determining if the virus is responding to the treatment program but remember this is effective only for chronic form of hepatitis B.
Hepatitis C Treatment
Both chronic and acute forms of hepatitis C are treated better with antiviral medications. A combination of antiviral drug therapies is considered best for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C. However, more tests and evaluations are needed to determine the accurate option of treatment. Sometimes chronic hepatitis leads to cirrhosis, a severe liver condition. Such patients are the candidates for liver transplants.
Hepatitis D Treatment
The world-renowned organizations of disease prevention have published a list of effective medications for the treatment of hepatitis and this list indicates the most effective treatment option for hepatitis D is pegylated interferon alpha drug. However, this medication is not suitable for patients with cirrhosis with great liver damage. People having symptoms of hepatitis along with some psychiatric conditions or any autoimmune disease cannot adopt this treatment option.
Hepatitis E Treatment
Hepatitis E is a form of hepatitis still present with nonspecific medical therapies. This is an acute infection and usually resolves on its own. Therefore, healthcare providers generally advise to have enough rest, eating fresh fruits or drink plenty of fresh fruit juices, and avoid addictive drugs. If a pregnant woman develops the symptoms of this condition, careful regular monitoring and care are essential for recovery.
Treatment Options for Autoimmune Hepatitis
The early treatment of autoimmune hepatitis requires corticosteroids, including budesonide and prednisone. A large number of people have been treated through these medications. According to a study, around 85% of patients with autoimmune hepatitis have recovered through this treatment option. So you can try this if you have this condition.
In Addition, this condition can also be dealt with with Azathioprine, which is a drug that suppresses your immune system. You can use it with or without steroids.
Moreover, mycophenolate, cyclosporine, and tacrolimus are also immune-suppressing medications and are also used as a replacement for Azathioprine during the treatment of hepatitis.
Preventive Measures for Liver Inflammation
Using certain vaccines, minimizing the risks of exposure to toxins and limiting consumption of alcohol can help avoid hepatitis symptoms.
Vaccination
Vaccine for the contraction of HAV is prescribed by doctors to avoid hepatitis A. This vaccination has two doses and most children get these vaccinations at the age of 1 to 2 years. Adults can also use this vaccine for the prevention of hepatitis A and B. The World Health Organization has recommended this vaccine for all newborns so that they may be saved from this fatal disease. The first six months of every newborn are very crucial because they get their important vaccines during these months. Vaccine for hepatitis B treatment is also effective for the prevention of hepatitis D.
Reduction in Exposure
- The viruses of the condition can transfer from one to the other person through contact with infectious agents, including food, water, and body fluids. Limiting the risk of getting in contact with these materials can prevent the contraction of hepatitis viruses.
- Taking care of your hygiene is also necessary to keep the viruses away from you.
- Drinking clean boiled water and eating healthy and well-cooked food can eliminate the chances of developing hepatitis A and E.
- Traveling with your own water bottle and food will lessen the risk of getting viruses in the place where you land. In case of traveling to an unclean area or country, avoid the local water, raw vegetables and fruits, under-cooked oysters, or fish and ice.
Contacting body fluids can transmit viruses of hepatitis B, C, and D. So try to follow the following tips to avoid the risk of getting ill:
- Don’t touch spilled blood.
- Don’t use toothbrushes or hair brushes of other people.
- Don’t use another person’s razor.
- Don’t share needles.
Sexual intercourse is another source of transmitting the hepatitis virus. Make sure to use condoms during sexual activity.
